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Half-Time Report: Atletico Madrid frustrating Barcelona

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid play out a goalless first half in their La Liga clash at the Vicente Calderon.

Barcelona have been unable to break down the Atletico Madrid defence in a goalless first half at the Vicente Calderon.

The visitors lined up without Lionel Messi, who was named on the bench after missing training this week due to the birth of his child, but they dominated possession from the first whistle as Atletico looked to limit the space on offer.

Lionel Messi watches on from the bench as Barcelona take on Atletico Madrid on September 12, 2015© Getty Images

It was not long before a chance arrived as Andres Iniesta picked out Ivan Rakitic, whose powerful strike forced Jan Oblak to push the ball to safety.

A mistake at the other end almost handed Atletico the lead against the run of play, but Fernando Torres could only shoot over after intercepting a poor pass from Javier Mascherano.

Barcelona continued to look the more dangerous, however, and they wasted the best opportunity of the first half when an unmarked Luis Suarez could only volley against the crossbar from close range after Rakitic had flicked on a corner.

Barcelona's Thomas Vermaelen views with Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres on September 12, 2015© AFP

Frustration would become anger for Suarez at the end of another Barcelona attack as Neymar twice decided against picking out the Uruguayan before seeing two efforts blocked.

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Lionel Messi of Barcelona holds off a challenge from Ever Banega of Sevilla during the UEFA Super Cup between Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Dinamo Arena on August 11, 2015
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona12110140112933
2Real Madrid1173121111024
3Atletico MadridAtletico126511871123
4Villarreal116322019121
5Osasuna126331716121
6Athletic Bilbao125431812619
7Real BetisBetis125431210219
8Mallorca12534109118
9Rayo Vallecano124441313016
10Celta Vigo125161820-216
11Real Sociedad124351010015
12GironaGirona124351517-215
13Sevilla124351217-515
14AlavesAlaves124171419-513
15Las PalmasLas Palmas133371622-612
16Leganes122551216-411
17Getafe12174810-210
18Espanyol123181122-1110
19Real ValladolidValladolid12228924-158
20Valencia11146817-97


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